Bias on Front Page of the Nugget

Today, on the front page of the Nugget, an article titled “Parties disagree on health premium” started like this: “The hot-button issue of taxes and the Ontario health premium, an enduring symbol of the Liberal government’s promise-breaking record, took centre stage on the campaign trail Wednesday.”

Perhaps such an article should be on the opinion page, or at the very least carry an “Opinion” heading. Opinion articles masquerading as news are damaging to the public discourse.

I have to believe that a good number of Nugget readers adjust their perceptions to correct for conservative bias, but I know many people who don’t. Therefore, failing to label opinion pieces as such is a form of political manipulation.

In one of the larger metropolitan areas, this wouldn’t be cause for concern, because a person has access to many different media viewpoints, but in North Bay which is fully dominated by the Nugget, it is alarming to say the least.

Here’s hoping that whatever the result of the election in Nipissing, it reflects the will of the people, not the will of the North Bay Nugget.